Which case reinstated the death penalty with guidelines for its application?

• A. Furman v. Georgia
• B. Roper v. Simmons
• C. Gregg v. Georgia
• D. Miller v. Alabama

Answer: (C)

Reinstating the death penalty with guidelines for its application hinges on ensuring a structured process that reduces arbitrariness in deciding when it’s appropriate. After Furman v. Georgia showed that the death penalty could be applied in a way that was too arbitrary, states refined their laws. Gregg v. Georgia upheld revised statutes that use a two-stage approach: first, determine guilt, then hold a separate sentencing phase where the jury weighs aggravating factors against mitigating ones to decide whether death is warranted. This guidance makes the punishment possible again in a controlled, discretionary way rather than automatic. The other cases deal with different issues—Roper v. Simmons bars executions for juveniles, and Miller v. Alabama prohibits mandatory life without parole for juveniles—so they don’t address reinstating capital punishment with the required safeguards.